Mahindra XUV300 AMT version teased at the digital reveal

The Mahindra XUV300, revealed digitally last Wednesday, will launch in the first half of February with petrol and diesel engines that will come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. While Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, M&M, told IAB that an automatic variant is not on the immediate plans, the variant may not be far from showrooms.

A close inspection of an image shown to the media on Wednesday provides a look at the AMT shift lever. An automatic version should help the new model take the fight straight to the Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Tata Nexon. The Ricardo-sourced AMT unit on the NuvoSport and the TUV300 could find its way to the baby-XUV.

The Mahindra XUV300 shares the X100 platform with the SsangYong Tivoli and its class-leading wheelbase of 2.6m. While the engine specifications are yet to be revealed, the company insists that the model will offer the 'highest torque in its class.' Various reports have suggested that the XUV300 will be kitted-out with turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel Mahindra motors.

Among the chief highlights of the XUV300 will be its lengthy equipment list, which will include premium features like dual-zone automatic climate control, electric sunroof, four disc brakes, and seven airbags. M&M has said that the segment-leading features and the powerful engines will ensure that the new model isn't merely a 'car to get one from point A to point B at a low per km cost.'

Armed with powerful engines, a robust platform, and segment-leading features including a 2.6m wheelbase, the Mahindra XUV300 targets a 15-20% market share in the sub-4-metre SUV space (40k units/month size).

Mahindra will launch a pure electric variant of the XUV300 in mid-2020. The zero-emission vehicle will be sold with two powertrain options, with the top-spec model likely to feature a 380-volt system jointly developed by Ssangyong and Mahindra Electric Mobility Ltd.